A website isn't a one-off project. Like a shop front, it needs regular care to keep working well and looking its best. A little maintenance on a set schedule prevents bigger problems and keeps your site earning its keep.

Every month

• Check your contact forms actually send and arrive

• Click through your main pages on a phone and a computer

• Update any plugins, themes or software if your platform needs it

• Look at your analytics: visits, top pages and enquiries

• Check Google Search Console for errors

Every quarter

• Test page speed on your key pages

• Look for and fix broken links

• Review your prices, services, team and opening hours

• Refresh or remove out-of-date content and offers

• Make sure backups are running and can be restored

Every year

• Renew your domain name and check auto-renewal is on

• Review your privacy policy and cookie setup

• Check that your design still feels current and on-brand

• Review whether your platform still suits your business

Keep security simple

Use strong, unique passwords and two-factor authentication on your website and domain accounts. Remove access for anyone who no longer needs it. Hosted website builders handle much of the security and updates for you, which is a big advantage for small teams.

Write it down

Keep a simple document listing where your site is hosted, who has access, when the domain renews and who to call if something breaks. It saves a lot of stress in an emergency.

A simple rule: put maintenance in your calendar. If it isn't scheduled, it doesn't happen.

The short version

Check forms and pages monthly, speed and content quarterly, and domains, policies and platform yearly. Wondering about ongoing costs? Read what a website really costs.